Mr. Vaughan started his career in 1959 at was then called Stamford Hydro.

Originally in the meter department he transferred to the line department and thus began his career as a lineman.

After Stamford Hydro Electric Commission amalgamated with Niagara Falls Hydro Larry became a leadhand where he built a strong reputation for leadership and innovative thinking.

Ground Aerial Maintenance Service was started as a general service company snow plowing and servicing parking lot lighting with his uncle, Ken Dewberry in 1967. As the company began to grow it became apparent that Mr. Vaughan could no longer work two jobs and resigned from Niagara Falls Hydro and began to operate G.A.M.S. full time in 1974.

Shortly after going on his own, Mr. Vaughan purchased the company from his uncle and has never looked back.

GAMS has since become a leading utility distribution company in the Niagara Region and over the years has employed and trained hundreds of young men providing them with a career as lineman.

Mr. Vaughan lost his battle with cancer on July 5, 2012 at the age of 73 years young.

He leaves behind his loving wife and best friend Winnie and his two sons Larry and Jim.

Larry R. Vaughan KCSt.G C.E.T.

Vice President, Operations

Ground Aerial Maintenance Service Ltd.

Larry graduated with a Diploma in Electrical Power Engineering Technology from Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology and continues his education with studies in Business Administration and Political Science at Brock University. He is also certified by the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists. Larry currently works in his family’s business, Ground Aerial Maintenance Service Ltd. (GAMS). Since joining the business he has helped steer the company into one of the Provinces leading Utility Live Line Contractors.

Larry has always believed in giving back to the community, and has served on the Board of Directors for Niagara Falls Big Brothers and Big Sisters from 1996 to 2003. He served as Chairman in 2002 and 2003. He has also served as a member of the Canadian Standards Association, Steering Committee for Equipment that promotes workplace safety and worker advancement.

In 2004 Larry went to Nicaragua with a local church group where he assisted in the building of a church in a small barrio in the capital city Managua. While working in this barrio he visited among other things the city’s landfill site which was home to hundreds of people.

An avid runner and cyclist, Larry has been a member of the Board of Directors for the Niagara Falls International Marathon in 2005 to 2008 and was invited back to sit on the Marathon Board in 2011 where he still serves today. He also served as co-chair of the Terry Fox Run in 2006 and 2007. He has competed regularly in Triathlon in both Ontario and New York State finishing 3rd in his age group at the Provincial championship in 2006 and winning the overall point series in 2007 in the upstate New York “Score This” series.

Larry joined the Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in 2006 and remains actively involved in the organization. In 2007 he served as Chairman of the Government Affairs Committee and in 2008 was elected to the position of Chairman of the Board. He served as Chair in 2008 and 2009. He was re-elected back onto the Board of Directors starting a new 3 year term in January 2016.

In the summer of 2011 Larry was invited to sit on the board at the Greater Niagara General Hospital Foundation as a Director.

Larry has been instrumental in the creation of the City of Niagara Falls Street Light Study. This project has brought new environmentally sound lighting technologies to his city that promotes conservation and smart lighting design while providing energy savings for the municipality.

Larry was invited into the International Knightly Order of St. George and was officially knighted on June 4, 2011 at an official ceremony in Ottawa at St. Bartholomew’s Church.

On November 25, 2011 Larry was awarded “The Community Service Award” from the Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce and was also recognized for his work in driving the notion of a “one voice” for the business community in the Niagara Region. Over the last several years Larry has worked diligently at getting the Chambers of Commerce and other responsible business groups to the table to speak with “one voice” and to promote a better environment in which to conduct business not only in the Niagara Region but Provincially and Nationally.

Larry is a member of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists since 1989. In 2011Larry was presented with “Outstanding Community Service Award” from the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologist.

Larry also belongs to the Illumination Engineering Society of North America and the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada.

Born and raised in Niagara Falls, Larry continues to live here with his two sons.

James A. Vaughan

Vice President Fleet

Ground Aerial Maintenance Service Ltd.

After completing an education in Transportation Safety and Compliance and acquiring his Utility Fleet Equipment Mechanic License, Jim Vaughan has taken on the responsibility of overseeing the operations of the Utility Fleet as well as the Rental Equipment division at Ground Aerial Maintenance Service (G.A.M.S.). Jim is also a Hoisting Engineer and a qualified Radial Boom Derrick Trainer.

Mr. Vaughan is devoted to making sure each employee is competent and well versed in the safety procedures and operation of all trucks and equipment. Ground Aerial Maintenance Service has an outstanding safety record, which is evidence of Jim’s commitment to his position at G.A.M.S.

Strict adherence to Provincial and Federal Government regulations are paramount in the Utility Industry. Jim has managed to implement effective internal controls that ensure the integrity of G.A.M.S.’ information system. His continuous monitoring of the log maintenance system has become a vital component of G.A.M.S’ government compliance strategy.

His other duties include purchasing, as well as environmental and property management. With the continuous expansion and growth of the family business over the past several years, Jim oversees buildings and properties located throughout the Niagara area. Along with his business partners Larry Vaughan Sr. (founder) and Larry Vaughan Jr., Jim is active in managing the day to day operations and decision making.

Jim takes pride in being approachable and has always had an open door policy with his staff. Mr. Vaughan has a well rounded approach to management which has contributed too many years of successful business operation. It is clear that Jim will continue to grow with Ground Aerial Maintenance Service.

When Jim is not at work, he is involved in the community with a charity called Wells of Hope. Jim and his wife Darlene have committed themselves to helping the organization bring clean drinking water to an impoverished area of Guatemala, and are actively involved in fundraising to help purchase new drilling equipment. Jim’s goodwill has earned him a well deserved place of respect in the community.

Ken R. Lint

Senior Supervisor/Journeyman Power Lineman

Ken Lint started his career with Ground Aerial Maintenance in May of 1974. He started as a truck driver and worked his way up to becoming one of our most valued employees.

In 1981 Ken became a certified Power Lineman.

Ken`s old school work values and ethics combined with his years of experience and expertise as a skilled Journeyman Lineman makes him irreplaceable. As a Lead Hand supervisor many young apprentices have had the opportunity of training under Ken’s guidance and the knowledge gained could not be acquired in a training facility.

Ken is a highly skilled equipment operator, and crane operator.

John E. Kempt

Senior Supervisor/Journeyman Power Lineman

John Kempt joined Ground Aerial Maintenance Service (G.A.M.S.) in 1994 as a truck driver. He very quickly proved himself to be a valuable asset to the company and that same year he began an apprenticeship to become a Journeyman/Power Lineman. Once he had completed his training in 2000 he was promoted to a lead hand, and then to a senior supervisory role. Over the years his position has evolved to include job planning and estimating. John also sits on the Joint Health and Safety Committee, as well as overseeing the development and implementation of G.A.M.S. rigorous safety training program.

Lorraine Robinson

Office Manager

Lorraine began her career Ground Aerial Maintenance (GAMS) in 2000 as an administrative assistant and by 2001 she assumed the position of Office Manager. She brought with her many years of experience in business operations and an eagerness to learn the Utility Industry. Lorraine provides direction for all financial and operational functions at GAMS and facilitates all tenders and bid projects. As well as holding a diploma in Business, Lorraine has also held her license as a RIBO Insurance Agent as well as a TICO licensed Travel Agent. She is also involved in a family business where she lends her business advice and knowledge. Her entrepreneurial spirit, creative thinking and can-do attitude keep the office running smoothly and efficiently.